The frantic T20 action has returned to the nation of millions of cricket fans with the arrival of the 2023 Indian Premier League. On Sunday, March 31, the first encounter of the upcoming IPL 2023, which will have 74 matches total, will take place between the Kolkata Gujrat Titans and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The IPL 2023 will restore its original home-and-away format for the first time since 2019. Each team this season will play seven home games and seven away games. A total of 74 matches will be played in the upcoming IPL 2023, and the opening game of the season is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 31st with a game between Gujrat Titans and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Here is a little preview of IPL 2023, featuring the top storylines expected from the event:
Will Gujarat Titans defend their title?
After the IPL 2022 auction, Gujarat Titans didn’t exactly have the finest reputation, but they proved that what really matters is their performance on the pitch. The Gujarat Titans may have shown their worth in 2022, but will they be able to win two consecutive contests?
The Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, two teams that have won the IPL before, are among their fierce rivals. This article highlights what to expect from the 2023 Indian Premier League in the form of the expected storyline
Will Royal Challengers Bangalore break the curse?
Without a Royal Challengers Bangalore story, whether it is about their triumphs or their desperation, every IPL is incomplete. With eight victories and six defeats during the league stage last year, they placed fourth overall and advanced to the postseason for the third straight year. Rajat Patidar’s century, the fastest by an Indian in IPL history, helped them defeat newcomers Lucknow Super Giants in the Elimination.
However, they lost to the eventual runners-up Rajasthan Royals in the qualifier, ending their hopes of winning the inaugural IPL championship. On April 2, 2023, in Bengaluru, RCB led by Faf du Plessis will begin its season against the Mumbai Indians.
Can Chennai Super Kings clinch the throne again?
IPL 2021 champions CSK will try to find success under the seasoned MSD after a poor IPL 2022 season. It will be a crucial season for Dhoni, who must demonstrate his wisdom and brilliant leadership as well as batting skills after quitting international cricket years ago.
The four-time champions’ 2022 campaign was underwhelming as they finished ninth out of ten teams with only eight points. Under the burden of the job and a troubling run of form, Ravindra Jadeja resigned as captain midway through the season. Although MS Dhoni took over as captain once more, it was too little, too late for CSK.
In the upcoming season, CSK is anticipated to stay with their tried-and-tested
starting duo of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will be followed by the high-priced player Ben Stokes. At No. 4, the seasoned Ambati Rayudu can provide a solid support for Stokes, who adds a tonne of stability to the batting order.
Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, and Ravindra Jadeja are three excellent all-around alternatives in the middle order. This year, Dube—who has shown flashes of brilliance on the local circuit—will look to regain his IPL form. Although the bowling unit wasn’t very well last season, the team will benefit from the addition of Deepak Chahar and Sri Lanka’s Mahesh Theekshana.